State officials said federal dollars will be needed to fix more than half the homes in Norwich likely plagued with lead paint.
"These areas here where the door rubs has lead paint because this is the original woodwork. In this part here the original door casing has lead paint and you can see how it's rubbed from years of use with the door," said Norwich resident Alicia Hansen as she points to areas on her front door.
Hansen said she's been living with lead paint in her Norwich home for 14 years.
"The trim, the thresholds, the door casings, the window casings, luckily not the windows because they have been replaced, but the windowsills," said Hansen.
At a press conference Thursday, state officials said more than $2.4 million is heading to Norwich to help homes like Hansen's and 100 others affected by lead paint.
"Elevations and poisonings take number one immediate action. That's a child in immediate danger. The second is obviously children in homes that are susceptible. Usually six and under are most susceptible to lead poisoning," said program manager Wayne Sharkey.
Officials shared dangers lurking for children who live in lead filled homes. A common reality in this city because authorities said nearly 80 percent of the houses were built before the 1978 lead ban.
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"This is poison when he gets into particularly young children's system," said U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney.
Hansen said her neighbor's 2-year-old daughter got sick and their apartment was condemned.
"The doctor said she had lead poisoning and she had to undergo rigorous treatment," said Hansen.
According to state officials not only will this funding to help homes but also educate contractors on dealing with lead. The funds will also be used to inform the community about lead dangers and solutions. The rehab process is said to begin this fall.
